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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, the British Capital. Dates: 15-19 October

Understanding Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.

This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.

Various rituals take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature in sumo.

Customarily before a match, a hole is made in the center of the ring and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake through Shinto ceremonies.

This opening gets sealed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers subsequently execute a ceremonial stomp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.

Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training in group settings.

Why London?

The Grand Sumo Tournament is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition occurring in London from Wednesday, 15 October until Sunday, 19 October.

London with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 tournament – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen a significant rise in popularity among international fans in recent years, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of Japanese culture internationally.

Sumo Bout Mechanics

The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match is decided when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Matches might end almost instantly or last over two minutes.

Sumo features two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters typically shove competitors from the arena by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers frequently excel in multiple combat styles adjusting to their opponents.

There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. This diversity in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.

Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of body measurements.

While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.

Life as a Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers reside and practice in communal facilities known as heya, led by a stable master.

Everyday life for wrestlers focuses entirely on sumo. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.

The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes and explosive power.

Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence are regulated by their stable and the Sumo Association – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.

A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, living arrangements and even support staff.

Junior less established rikishi handle chores around the heya, while higher ranked ones enjoy special privileges.

Sumo rankings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.

Prior to events, updated rankings gets published – a ceremonial list showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.

The highest level exists the rank of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the spirit of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes 600 rikishi in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have been involved prominently for decades, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels in recent times.

Current Yokozuna feature global participants, including wrestlers multiple countries reaching elite status.

In recent news, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland pursuing professional sumo careers.